Obituary of Mrs. Helen Steven
January 25, 1931 - August 31, 2023
It is with much love and great sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of our beautiful wife, mother and grandmother, Helen Ruth Steven, on August 31, 2023 at the age of 92.
Helen will be forever loved and missed by her devoted husband Donald and her three children Laurie (John), Lisa (Stephen) and Paul (Lesley). She is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Neal, Claire, Bridget, Benjamin, Matthew and Ryan. She was predeceased by her precious grandson Alexander, beloved sister Shirley, and parents Minnie (Bennett) and Paul Diamond.
Helen grew up near Greenbank, Ontario where her childhood world revolved around home, the farm (where she drove a tractor ‘as well as any boy’), school, church, sports and friends. Among her fondest memories was traveling by horse and cutter to visit friends on a winter’s evening. Tucked under a cozy blanket, she loved the smell of the warm horse against the icy air under a sea of stars.
After graduating from high school, Helen moved to Toronto and worked in the advertising department at the Toronto Star. She married Donald, the love of her life, in 1953 and they celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary in May this year. They shared a life of love and partnership, and together built a family that was a constant source of pride and joy. She reveled in her role as mother and grandmother and was the foundation of her family.
Helen loved people and had countless treasured friends. She enjoyed meeting new people and would talk to everyone – always interested in their lives – and make time to help others. Gardening brought her immense joy, as did feeding the birds and squirrels, and befriending the ducks that came annually to their backyard pond. The Steven home was a haven where all were warmly welcomed.
Traditions and celebrations were very important to Helen. She used every opportunity to host not only family reunions at the farm but neighbourhood gatherings, surprise parties and dinners with friends and family. She was legendary for her ‘Little Helen’ stories, her infectious laughter and genuine interest in discussing world affairs.
Helen was the kindest person you could ever meet. She loved animals and her home was always filled with an array of rescued pets. Even now, Don and Helen have two cherished cats. She spent her life helping others. She volunteered at church, as a Guide leader, at the Rouge Valley Cardiac Rehab program, and with Don, they co-sponsored four Vietnamese refugees who are still dear friends today.
With her sheer determination and love of learning, Helen started to attend the University of Toronto part-time in the late 1970s. It took several years but she enjoyed the challenge, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. In 1981, she returned to work at St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Seniors’ Centre where she was the Director of Programs and Services for seniors in the community. With her incredible compassion, dedication, and leadership she thrived in the position for 15 years until she retired.
Helen and Don were members at the Art Gallery, symphony and theater. They loved to travel and enjoyed a lifetime of happy camping trips with family and friends across Canada and the US. Their many adventures included the Ancient Silk Road, the Khyber Pass, glacier-trekking in Alaska and plunging into the sea in a submarine. At 79, Helen made her camel-riding debut in the Sahara! Their explorations took them all over the world, and Helen and Don made friends wherever they went.
Helen will be deeply missed by all of us but she lives on in our hearts.
Visitation will take place at Ogden Funeral Home at 4164 Sheppard Avenue East in Scarborough on Monday, September 11th from 1 to 2 pm. The Celebration of Life will be held at 2 pm on Monday, September 11th at 2 pm, with the Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s memory to the Toronto Wildlife Centre https://www.torontowildlifecentre.com/donate/donate-in-memory/ would be gratefully appreciated.
